Director closes book on 17 years at Framingham library

Library Director Jeanne Kelley’s plans for her first day as a retiree: Kick back and read, of course.

By Danielle Ameden/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Danielle Ameden/Daily News staff

Posted Jun. 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 29, 2012 at 7:56 PM

By Danielle Ameden/Daily News staff

Posted Jun. 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 29, 2012 at 7:56 PM

FRAMINGHAM

» Social News

Library Director Jeanne Kelley’s plans for her first day as a retiree: Kick back and read, of course.

Library trustees, staff and friends gathered yesterday to fete Kelley and send her into retirement after 17 years with the Framingham Public Library.

They also prepared for a new chapter, now that former director Mark Contois is coming back to take the helm.

“I’m the lucky one here,” Kelley said during her afternoon retirement party.

She thanked her staff, which she said kept her there so long.

“It’s a very special group of people and that’s what makes this library what it is,” she said.

Contois, who left the director’s office in 2010 to take a job as head librarian in Worcester, is set to return July 23.

“He’s raring to go,” Board of Trustees Chairwoman Liz Fideler said. “He’s thrilled to be coming back to Framingham and we’re delighted to be having him come back. We were sorry that Jeanne was going to retire because she did a fine job and everyone respects her and appreciates all that she’s done, but it’s turned out very well for the library — for the town, everyone — that Mark will be coming back.”

Kelley opened presents from her staff, including a pink rosebush and a homemade quilt.

“I’ll find a way to be here with you in some way,” she said.

Trustees promoted Kelley to director after Contois left. Today is her last day.

Assistant Director Jane Peck, who will serve as acting director until Contois is back on board, said she looks forward to his return.

“He’s a dynamic leader,” Peck said.

Trustee Jan Harrington said she gets a kick out of Kelley’s retirement plans to head out into the backyard of her Hopkinton home and work her way through a stack of books.

“All these books that I see at the library and don’t have time to read,” Kelley said.

Harrington said Kelley has done well as director. She noted how she parked for the party next to a snazzy delivery truck with Framingham Public Library insignia that Kelley obtained, which staff needed to pick up and drop off material.

“I thought, ‘I’m parking next to one of her contributions,’” Harrington said.

(Danielle Ameden can be reached at 508-626-4416 or dameden@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleAmeden.)